The National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens (EMST) began its operation in 2000. It is now permanently located at the former FIX brewery, the reconstruction of which was completed in February 2014. From 2003 until 2008, the EMST held exhibitions and events at the Athens Concert Hall, the Athens School of Fine Arts and in public spaces. Then from 2008 until 2015, it was hosted in a section of the Athens Conservatory building. Finally, in May 2015, the museum moved to its permanent premises, where from October, 2016, to January, 2019, it used the temporary exhibition spaces. In February, 2020, EMST opened its doors in full operation to the public.

EMST acquires, safeguards, preserves, documents, researches and exhibits works of contemporary Greek and international art. The constant aim of the museum is the promotion of education in the arts and raising public awareness regarding contemporary culture, in combination with the development of scientific research and specialization in museology, history and theory of contemporary art. One of its founding goals is to promote innovative and experimental artistic movements and the production of audiovisual works via new media.

In the context of its role on a social and educational level, EMST offers the public opportunities to interact with contemporary art through its exhibitions, activities, programs and publications. Its collection comprises the works of Greek and international artists based on different art mediums -painting, sculpture, video, installations, photography, engraving, industrial design, etc. – that deal with current and timeless issues. Aiming at the wider development and promotion of contemporary art, EMST invests in artistic production and the establishment of synergies and collaborative relationships.

EMST aspires to expand the domestic community of contemporary art by connecting it with the international scene. In a constantly changing world, EMST represents the exchange of ideas and perspectives through contemporary art, enriching the daily lives of the public and the experience of the visitors.

Mikhail Karikis, No Ordinary Protest, 2018. High definition digital video with stereo sound. Duration: 7′ 42″ Production still / Courtesy of the artist

Maria Tsagkari, Heinrich Did It, 2016. Installation of 13 metal plated flowers, lacquer, tapestry, 9 x 3 m. Donated by the artist, 2018 / Photo by Anna Primou

Nan Goldin, All by Myself, 1995-1996. Installation with 83 35mm slide transparencies and a soundtrack, duration 5΄33΄΄on CD. Purchased in 2001 / Photo by Anna Primou

Dan Perjovschi, The Long Wall Report, 2023. Installation view at ΕΜΣΤ / Photo by Dimitris Tzamtzis

Jennifer Nelson- Kotsara, Democracy is a Party, 2019. HD video, colour, sound, 10′ 53″, Edition 1/5. Purchased in 2022

Bani Abidi, The Reassuring Hand Gestures of Big Men, Small Men, All Men, 2021 (detail). Inkjet prints on Alu-dibond, suite of 69, dimensions variable. Ed. 5 + 2AP / Courtesy of the artist and Experimenter, Kolkata

Dimitris Alithinos, A Happening, 1973. Sculptural Installation, plaster, wood, tape recorder, lamp, 140 x 153 x 100 cm. Purchased in 2002 on subsidy by the Ministry of Economy and Finance / Photo by Katerina Paraskeva

Melanie Bonajo, Progress vs. Regress, 2016. Film still, HD film, 53 min 20 sec / Courtesy the artist and AKINCI

Mona Hatoum, Fix It, 2004. Mixed media installation. Factory fixtures and furnishings, light bulbs, programmable lighting equipment, electric cable, amplifier, mixer, 2 speakers / Photo by Olympianna Miliaki

Panos Kokkinias, Nisyros, 2014 – 2015. Digital inkjet archival print, 150 x 300 cm, Edition 1/5. Purchased in 2022

Dimitris Antonitsis, Les fleurs du mal(e), (The Flowers of …Evil) series, 1999. Digital photographs printed in aquaflex acrylic canvas, 153 x 120 cm. Purchased in 2001 / Photo by Anna Primou

Eirini Vourloumis, Untitled, 2022. Ink jet print on fine art paper, mounted on wood / Courtesy of the artist

Erica Scourti, Hot Readings, 2018. Video still / Courtesy of the artist

Ilya Kabakov, The Boat of My Life, 1993. Installation, wooden fence, wooden boat, steps, 25 paper packing boxes, objects, photographs, texts on paper, 260 x 550 x 1740 cm (boat dimensions). Purchased in 2001 / Photo by Olympianna Miliaki